MAY 2017

Musings from the Minister:

Sabbatical and Confirmation May Greetings! As I weave together my thoughts and words for today, especially as I think ahead to the next few months, I share these words from Jeffrey Jordan, who oversees Personnel matters: “I am pleased to announce that the Reverend Annette Mott has agreed to serve as the Sabbatical Minister for Woodfords Congregational Church from Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, September 30, 2017, covering the sabbatical leave and vacation time of Reverend Carolyn Lambert.”

It’s with sheer joy and delight that I share this announcement! Most of you will remember Annette from her time with us at Woodfords, first as she completed her student ministry while at BTS, and later when she served as part of our Shared Pastoral Team (with the Rev.

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Joan Mabon and myself). Since working at Woodfords, Annette has completed two levels of interim ministry training with the Interim Ministry Network. She has served as Interim Minister at Bridgton First UCC, Thomaston Federated Church, and Gray First UCC. She also serves on the Cumberland Association Church & Ministry Committee and on the Maine Conference "All Conference Events Resource Team." When she is not actively serving a church, Annette worships at her home church, First Parish UCC in Brunswick. Annette and her husband David continue to live in the same Bowdoinham country home where they have resided for forty years, and where they raised their three grown sons. Much of their spare time these days is spent gardening and tending chickens and bees.

Prior to completing her M-Div at BTS, Annette was part of the Maine Conference staff from 1982 until 2008. She served first as the Resource Director, and then as the Director of Local Church Resources, a position which included responsibilities for Christian Education, steward-ship, and Mission interpretation.

With her background and experience, Annette will be a remarkable leader, along with Rev. Jim, during my absence. As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the time of Sabbatical isn’t simply an extended vacation (for either minister or congrega-tion!); instead it’s a time for learning and growth and possibility. And in a world that’s changing at warp speed, it’s imperative that we contemplate and explore the ways in which the universal Church is changing (and needs to change) as it lives into the 21st century. But, as we all know, change is hard! It’s packed with emotional upheaval as we discover the ways in which we’re emotionally, mentally and

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spiritually tied to traditions and rituals and “the way we’ve always done things.” In my time away, I’ll be considering all of this. I’ll explore the places where the Church was changing rapidly as the Congregational Church was breaking away from the Church of England; and just before I return, I’ll have almost two weeks on the Isle of Iona,

contemplating what the Church has been, what it is now, and where it’s moving as the future beckons. And, of course, you’ll have work to do! I’ve asked Rev. Annette and Rev.

Jim to lead Cottage Meetings during the summer for the purpose of considering three questions: Why is change important? What makes change difficult? How can we honor what has been even as things change? As always, we’ll be together in Spirit and it will be a grand time reuniting for World Communion Sunday in October and sharing where our journeys have taken us!! But, before my time away begins, I remind you that our Service of Confirmation is on May 21st. I hope all of you can join us as we witness the faith and the wisdom of our twelve Confirmands – 9 from Woodfords and 3 from HopeGateWay Methodist Church. Our service will be a join t service of joy and celebration. Even as we’re reminded about the evolution of the Church and the changes that are on the horizon, we will have the opportunity to witness and affirm the faith of these young people and we will be able to breathe a bit easier knowing that our future – and the future of the Church – is in good hands (and hearts!).

Blessings,

Rev. Carolyn

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Happy May Birthday To. . .

Susan Clark 05/01 Michael Wolfe 05/01 Joyce Reynolds 05/02 Isabel Walter 05/02 Darcy Ross 05/02 Gordon Thomson 05/03 Gregg Ritter 05/05 Donald Hamilton 05/07 Sara Wasdahl 05/11 Nancy Goodspeed 05/14 Barbara Thomson 05/15 Katharine Jordan 05/16 Bob Carten 05/17 Elizabeth Sarno 05/18 Charlotte Wilbur 05/19 Josslyn Philbrook 05/21

Amelia Cote 05/21 Audrey Cote 05/21 Evelyn Dodson 05/22 Erin Segal 05/22 Chloe Shields 05/24 Judy Blanchard 05/26 Cynthia Harwood 05/26 Joan Dinsmore 05/27 Nicholas Rovnak 05/27 Cedric Porter 05/28 Phyllis Campbell 05/29 Catherine Walter 05/29 Kurt Graser 05/29 Elaine Haskell 05/30 Ella Dand 05/30 Nan McLaughlin 05/31

Happy May Anniversary To…

William & Robin Carter 05/04 54 Bill & June St. Lawrence 05/06 56 Stephen & Ellen Smith-Erb 05/18 21 Harold & Emily Sprague 05/20 56 David & Lana Johnson 05/27 50 Rita Zanichkowsky & Christine Torraca 05/27 17 Zachary & Camille Nelson 05/29 13

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DRESSING UP

FOR A “PARTY”

IN THE WOODFORDS

NURSERY

ON A RECENT

SUNDAY

MORNING!

Sonnets are full of love, and this my tome Has many sonnets: so here now shall be One sonnet more, a love sonnet, from me To her whose heart is my heart’s quiet home, To my first Love, my Mother, on whose knee I learnt love-lore that is not troublesome; Whose service is my special dignity, And she my loadstar while I go and come And so because you love me, and because I love you, Mother, I have woven a wreath Of rhymes wherewith to crown your honored name: In you not fourscore years can dim the flame Of love, whose blessed glow transcends the laws Of time and change and mortal life and death.

-Christina Rossetti

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CHURCH WORLD DEPOT KITS

Once again this year, Woodfords Church has agreed to be the drop off for Church World Service kits. Judy Blanchard and a few volunteers will be working in Seely Hall in early May receiving and tallying the kits from donors throughout the state. We are happy to be able to donate Woodfords Church space for this effort. For a look at how the CWS kits are being used, please check out this news article on the CWS website about flood survivors in rural Kentucky in 2014: https://cwsglobal.org/cws-kits-and-blankets-reach-flooded-households-in-rural-kentucky/.

A WARM WOODFORDS WELCOME TO OUR NEW SEXTON

LOUISE SHAW

We are delighted to welcome our newest staff member, Louise Shaw, to our Woodfords family. Louise comes to us with a long history of pride in keeping a facility clean. She was on the housekeeping staff at a number of hotels for many years, most recently as Executive Housekeeper at the Residence Inn in downtown Portland. Louise supervised over 25 staff members and was responsible for 179 rooms. We know she will bring that professionalism to our beautiful building. Louise lives in Standish with her husband and daughter. In her own words, “I look forward to being a part of the family there!”

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The Grant Fund Activities For Woodfords Church Seniors 65+

BOOK CLUBBOOK CLUBBOOK CLUB Wednesday, May 3 12:30 pm, Parlor We will be discussing The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. If you are interested in joining book club, please contact Suzanne at 329-1444 or at suzannedb@me.com.

YOGA YOGA YOGA Thursdays 10:15am-11:15am, the Parlor $3 a class or $20 for the 10-week session. Classes are held in the Parlor. You can “walk in” during the current 10 week session and pay the $3 a class. If you are interested in joining or you have questions, please contact Jean Koster.

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LUNCHEONS May 12 The Good Old Days at Old Orchard Pier 11:30 am Memorial Hall Remember the big bands and the parties at Old Orchard Pier during and after World War ll? If you recall these days, you'll love the Grant Fund Luncheon celebration of the good old days at the pier. Michael Elliott, who led us through a celebration of 1948 in January will do a slide show with music in celebration of a bygone era. Join us at 11:30 for a delicious lunch followed by a trip down memory lane. Remember - It is ESSENTIAL that we have an accurate count for this event. If you plan to attend, please notify Rev. Jim by Tuesday, May 9. at jfletcher@woodfordschurch.org.

The Grant Fund Activities For Woodfords Church Seniors 65+

G R A N T F U N D T E A M

M E E T I N G D AT E S

All meetings take place in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 10:00 am.

Friday, May 5 This is an important meeting because it is the 'Build a Budget' meeting. We'll need everyone's ideas.

Friday, June 2 This will be another important meeting of the Grant Fund Team as we all think about leadership for the future of the program.

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The Grant Fund Activities For Woodfords Church Seniors 65+

JUNE 9th GRANT FUND

BOTANICAL GARDENS TOUR FULLY BOOKED If you signed up for the Boothbay Botanical Gardens Tour, you are one of the lucky ones, because the event is fully booked! The tour, which will take place Friday, June 9th, will begin with participants gathering at the church parking lot at 9:45 a.m. Please be prompt. The group will then board a mini-bus for the drive to Sarah's Restaurant in beautiful Wiscasset. At Sarah's there will be an off-the-menu lunch at around 11 am. ($10 per participant limit). Leaving Sarah's, the bus will take the short drive to the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Our tour guide for the gardens will be our own Brad Ronco, an avid gardener and plant enthusiast. After the tour, the group will board the bus for the trip back to Portland. Expect to be back at the church sometime around 4:00 pm. This event is free to all Grant Fund-eligible Woodfords Church seniors.

VERY, VERY IMPORTANT!

IF YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE TOUR AND FIND YOU CAN NOT GO, PLEASE NOTIFY REV. JIM IMMEDIATELY SO THOSE ON THE

WAITING LIST CAN ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL EVENT.

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LUNCH AND LEARN Friday, June 2, 11:30 am

2nd Floor Conference Room

"Organizing After a Loss" Losing a loved one is hard, but so is sorting through memories and things left behind. Kathy Beillargeon, Professional Home Organizer, will offer a seminar to help us sort through this challenge. It is hard work because it's hard for us to know what's important to keep, and just as important, what's important to let go. This seminar is open to all members and friends of the church, especially caregivers and those left behind to do the sorting and choosing. Join us for this vital Lunch and Learn. Bring a sandwich. Beverage and dessert will be provided. As always, please contact Rev. Jim to sign up for this event at jfletcher@woodfordschurch.org.

The Grant Fund Activities For Woodfords Church Seniors 65+

CONGREGATIONAL

MEETING Sunday, May 14

After worship in the Sanctuary

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Many thanks to everyone who pitched in and helped out in the office last month during my vacation. I was able to relax and enjoy my time away knowing the office was in good hands:

Martha Baldwin, Judy Blanchard, Suzanne D’Bourget, Pip and Tom Hennessey, Mary Rokosz, Pete Sampson.

VNA Home Health Hospice is offering an open grief support meeting on:

May 9, Tuesday, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

(Second Tues) North Windham Union Church

723 Roosevelt Trail Rt. 302, Windham, ME

FMI: Contact Linda Hopkins Bereavement Support Coordinator

VNA Home Health Hospice at 400-8714

Sponsored by North Windham Union Church

UCC Mission Committee.

This is a free community outreach service.